Waterproof garment



Jan. 5, 1954 B. B. sHULMAN WATERPROOF GARMENT 5 Shee'ts-Sheet l Filed Nov. 30, 1951 INVENTOR. EP/VAQD B .ff/UL MAN A TTOR/YE )4 Jan. 5, 1954 B. B. sHULMAN WATERPROOF GARMENT Filed Nov. 30, 1951 5 Sheets-Shea? 2 BER/YARD B. SHI/L MA/v WWW/M21@ Jan. 5, 1954 B. s. sHuLMAN WATERPROOF GARMENT F'led Nov. 30, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. BERNARD B. .SWZ/MAN ATTO/@NEX Jal 5, 1954 a. B. sHULMAN 2,664,895

WATERPROOF GARMENT Filed NOV 50, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 l u l n 1 l 4 4 l l 1 1 A l l f 1 l l l f l 'Il'....l'I'H' l. 'l' 'fullurl' ..."1 Il.. ai'

INVENTOR. BEE/YARD B. .SHI/L MAN www Jan. 5, 1954 B. B. sHULMAN 2,664,895

WATERPROOF GARMENT Filed Nov. 30, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1N VEN TOR. BEP/VA ,QD B. SHUI. MAN

Patented Jan. 5, 1954 WATERPROOF GARMENT BernardB.- Shulman, Philadelphia,Pa'., assignor to MorrisFreedman, Philadelphia, Pa.

Application November 30, 1951, Serial No. 259,153

s claims. (ol. 12s-287) 1 My invention relatesvto waterproof garments and method of making same, and it relates more particularly to fabrication of garments such as baby panties.

Garments of the type to which my invention reference characters indicate like parts. applies consist generally of a waterproof sheet Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a material which is adapted to be disposed inwaterproof garment as the same may `be worn teriorly of the garment, and a generally woven on a child, and embodying my invention. or knittedv fabric adapted to be disposed on the Figure 2 represents a perspective View of the exterior side of the garment; means to secure Waterproof garment illustrated in Figure 1, laid thev waterproof interior to the generally woven out in open condition ready for assembly .on the or knitted fabric exterior; and means to secure wearer, and embodying my invention. the garment in placeon the body of the wearer. Figure 3 represents an enlarged, perspective In some instances, the garment may also include and sectionalview of a seam portion of a Watera pocket for holding an absorbent material such proof garment, in one stage of the formation for instance as a baby diaper. In garments of thereof, and embodying my invention. this character, as hitherto known, a serious prob,- Figure 4 represents an enlarged sectional and lem has presented itself in `that it was not possiperspective view taken generally along the lines ble to secure the waterproof interior to the gen- 4 4 of Figure 2, and with the region of the seam erally woven or knitted fabric` exterior without shown open for clearer viewing. penetrating the waterproof sheet material and Figure 5 representsan enlarged sectional View thereby causing leakage. Thus for instance, taken generally along the lines -5-5 of Figure 2, stitching the woven or knitted fabric to the and with the Aregien of the seam shown open for Waterproof material required the penetration of clearer viewing. waterproof material by a needle and the passage 95 Figure 6 represents a vertical, enlarged, secof a thread through the hole thus formed, with tional schenfiaticI View of the diey portion .of a resultant enlargement of the hole by tensions sealing apparatus, showing the same in sealing f the fabric against the stitch when they fabric operation on sheet materials being used` in the is in use. The useful life of such garments has formationcf a garment in accord-ance with the thereby been extremely limited. method of my invention.

One object of my invention therefore i-s to 3i) Figure 7 represents` a vertical, enlarged secprovide a garment of the character described tional view` taken generally along the lines 1-1 which shall be waterproof and leakproof,r and of Figure 2, and with the region of the seams which shall remain thus for the-life ofthe fabric shown open for clearer. viewing. itself. Figur@ 8 represents a perspective view of an Another object of my invention is to provide electronic sealing machine of a kind which is a garment of the character described which shall adapted to make the` seal used in the method have a strong union between the waterproof maembodying my invention. terial and the woven or knitted fabric without FigureQ-representsa perspective view-showing detracting from the leakproof characterof the` one stage inthe method of assembling a watergarment. 4U proof garment offmodified construction, and em- A further object of my invention is to provide bodying my invention.

a method of forming a garment ofthe character Figure 10 represents a perspective View showdescribed which shall be efiicient 'and positive in ing another stage of. forming a garment of modioperaticn and inexpensive to perform. fied construction, and embodying my invention.

Other objects of my invention will appear in Figure 11 represents a fragmentary view of a the more detailed description of my invention, corner portion of a garment of another modified which follows. construction, and embodying my invention.

.For the purpose of illustratingmy invention, Figure 12 represents an enlarged sectional view I have shown in the accompanying drawings taken `generally along the lines I2--I2 of Figi`orms thereof which are at present preferred by ure 11, me. since the same have been found in practice Figure 13 represents a perspective view showtc give satisfactory and reliable results, although ing one stage of the formation of a garment oi it is to be understood that the various instru.- a further modified construction, and embodying mentalities of which my invention consists can v my invention. be variously arrangedV andl organized and thatl l Figure 14 represents another stageof the for- 2 my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring now to the drawing in which like mation of the garment whose earlier stage of formation is illustrated in Figure 13, and embodying my invention.

Figure 15 represents a further stage of the formation of the garment whose earlier stages of formation are illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

Figure 16 represents a sectional view, greatly enlarged, taken generally along the lines IS-IS of Figure l5, during one stage in the formation thereof.

Figure 17 represents a vertical sectional view of a sealing device and garment sealing assembly of another modified construction, and embodying my invention.

Figure 18 represents one stage in the formation of a garment of further modified construction, and embodying my invention.

Figure 19 represents another stage of the formation of the garment Whose earlier stage of formation is illustrated in Figure 18, and embodying my invention.

Figure 20 represents a further stage of the formation of the garment whose earlier stages of formation are illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, and embodying my invention.

Figure 21 represents a perspective View of one stage in the formation of a garment of another rtnodiiied construction, and embodying my invenion.

Figure 22 represents a vertical sectional view greatly enlarged, showing another stage of the formation of the garment whose earlier stage is illustrated in Figure 21, and embodying my invention.

Figure 23 represents a perspective sectional view of a further stage of the formation of the garment Whose earlier stages of formation are illustrated in Figures 21 and 22, and embodying my invention.

For purposes of illustration only, I have shown my invention as applied to a baby pantie, and to one which is adapted to receive and hold a diaper in place; although it is to be understood that my invention may as readily be used in other types or kinds of baby panties, or in garments other than baby panties, but which comprise a waterproof sheet material joined to a mesh fabric such as a woven or knitted sheet material, or joined to a felted fabric such as paper, felted cloth material, or woven fabric substitutes.

Where used in this specification therefore, the

term fabric shall be taken to mean a mesh fabric as hereinabove described, as well as a felted fabric as hereinabove described.

According to my invention I provide a waterproof garment Il! which in this case is illustrated as a baby pantie. In the illustrated embodiment of my invention the garment I thus comprises a woven, felted or preferably knitted exterior fabric I I and a waterproof sheet material interior I2. The waterproof sheet material preferably consists of a vinyl plastic or other` desirable thermoplastic sheet. Although my invention may be applied to other garments or to other kinds of baby panties, for purposes of illustration I have shown a form of baby pantie in which pockets are provided for reception and retention of a diaper. Thus, there is provided a bed sheet of vinyl plastic I3 generally coterminous with the fabric II, and preferably folded pocket strips I4, I5, |6 and I1 disposed at the corners of the sheet I3 and in overlapping relation one with another. The vinyl sheet I3 and mesh or felted fabric II each comprises generally an abdomen edge portion I8, a back edge portion I9, a right leg receiving portion 20 and a left leg receiving portion 2|, defining generally a corner portion I4a between the right leg receiving portion 20 and the back portion I9, a corner portion Ia between the left leg receiving portion 2| and the back portion I9, a corner portion IS-a between the left leg receiving portion 2| and the abdomen portion I8, and a corner portion |1-a between the right leg receiving portion and the abdomen portion I8. If desired, suitable fasteners such for instance as snap fastener male members 22 may be disposed on or through the fabrics intermediate the leg receiving portions 20, 2| and the back edge portion I9; and snap fastener female members 23 may be disposed on or through the fabrics in corresponding portions of the garment intermediate the abdomen edge portion I8 and the leg receiving portions 28, 2|; all of said snap-fastener members 22 and 23 being preferably in proximity to the edge portions of the fabric intermediate leg portions 20, 2| and the upper edge portions I8 and I9.

The folded pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and I1 preferably each respectively comprises a single sheet of vinyl plastic or other suitable thermoplastic folded as at 24, lapped upon itself and laid generally upon one corner portion of the bed sheet I3. It is to be understood however, that my invention is not limited to the use of a folded pocket strip, but will also work when a single sheet, unfolded strip (not shown) is used, having substantially the same marginal shape and marginal dimensions as the folded pocket strips. The folded strips I4, I5, I6 and I1 are therefore to be considered merely illustrative. The marginal portions 25 and 26 of each of the strips I4, I5, I6 and |1 is cut or otherwise formed to be substantially co-terminal with the edges of the bed sheet I3 in each of the respective corners I4-a, I5a, II-a and |1-a of Said bed sheet I3 on which said strip is adapted to be laid. The folds or diagonal portions 24 of each of the strips I4, I5, I6 and I1 are of a length greater than the distance between the median of the leg portions 20 or 2| and the median of the abdomen edge portion I8 or the back edge portion I9; and the end portions of the folded strips I4, I5, I6 and I1, adjacent the folds or diagonal portions 24 thereof, are preferably alternately overlapped one upon another as at 21, 28, 29 and 30, respectively.

An elastic band 3| of any suitable elastic material such as rubber, rubberized fabric or the like, may be used, and in such event is stretched across preferably the back edge portion I9 of the fabric and is secured thereto by any suitable means such as stitches 32.

An initial or primary sealing seam 33 is preferably formed adjacent the edges I8, I9, 20 and 2|, as well as along the edges 34 of the side portions intermediate the leg portions 20, 2| and the abdomen portion I8, and the side portions 35 intermediate said leg portions 20, 2| and the back portion I9. In one embodiment of my invention, a secondary sealing seam 36 is formed intermediate the primary sealing seam 33 and the exposed portion 31 of the bed sheet I3; and in such event the secondary seam 36 is preferably disposed closely adjacent the primary seam 33. The primary seam 33 and the secondary seam 36 are so constructed and so disposed as to have certain characteristics which will be more clearly understood following a description of the manufacture and assembling of the garment I0, which follows:

The garment I0 is preferably made by cutting out the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and I1, the bed sheet I3 and the mesh fabric sheet I| according to theirrespective patterns, which patterns;` are formedin accordance with the `foregoing. Vdescription of the garment III; preferably securingv the elastic 3I to the back edge portionKr I9 of the fabric II by any suitable means suchV as the stitches 32 and then assemblingthe fabrics II, sheet I3y and pocket strips I4', I5, I6 and II in one of the followingA manners:V In the embodiment of my invention illustrated in Figures il. to 6 inclusive, the sheets'are laid Aone upon another in the following order: the bed sheet I3 yis laid first as may be seen in Figure 3 which illustrates the manner of forming the' edge portion 35. The fabricsheet II is then laid upon the bed sheet I3 withI the respective edges 38 and 39 co-terminous. The folded pocket strip I5 is thenv laid upon the fabric sheet I I with the edges 2.5;and 26 of the. stripk co-terminous with the respective edges 39 and/38 of the'bed sheetv I3 and the mesh fabric II.

Dies 4l and 4I, preferably of an electronic. plastic sealing device, are then brought to bear upon the sheet pile 42 thus formed. The die 48 consists preferably of a flat platen; and the die 4I consists preferably of a flange downwardly projecting from an electronic heat sealing device 44. The die 4I preferably has a bottom edge substantially parallel to theplaten 4I), and substantially vertical parallel edges upwardly extending from said bottom edge and spaced a distance substantially equal to the widths of the seam 33 or 36. The die 4I is preferably formed along. the same shape or path as the seam 33 or 36. If desired however, it may be formed of a segment or segments of said path, and successive impressions made to complete said path, in place of the unitary impression hereinafter described.

In a. preferred form, the pile `42 is laid on the die platen 40 with the edges I8, I9, 20, 2|, 34 and 35 substantially parallel to corresponding portions of the die 4I, and said die 4I in substantial registry with the desiredV location of the'initial or primary seam 33. l The die 4I is then advanced downwardly and brought to bear against the pile 42. In this position, the die 4I is preferably immediately adjacent the edges` I8, I9, 20, 2I, 34 and 35. Downward pressure is then brought to bear through the die 4I against the pile 42 and the platen die 46, and at the` same time heat is interposed between vthe dies by any suitable means such for instance as high frequency current generated by theelectronic device 44, until the vinyl plastic intermediate they dies .46 and 4I is meltedfand the plasticthus molten is forced through and among-the fibersofthe fabric II. Suitable controls (not shown)v in the electronic sealing device 44 of which thedies 40 and 4I are.

a part, maintain the heat and pressurer within the required and safe degrees for operation, to reduce the plastic to a. moltenA state andto cause it to permeate the fabric I I, while preventing the moltenplastic fromilowingaway from the seam 33, separating from the sheets, or being.. pressed to too thin a degree of seam. When the permeation is substantially complete, heat is preferably reduced substantially to room temperature while the dies remain substantially in place. After the seam has itself cooled substantially to room temperature, the dies 46 and 4I are separated and the pile 42 is withdrawn.

It will be found that there has been thus formed' a seam. composed of homogeneous vinyl plastic 43 through, which has beenqfinterthreaded thefibers of a mesh or felted fabric,` and said homoposedthereon will not :serveto .separatefait or to disturb its waterproof character, Indeed-.factualtests have shown that the sheets joinedby the seam 33, when under sufficient abnormal strain .or stressi will themselves. be. torn beforeithe seam 33- would be broken.

In kone embodiment of ,my invention,.as illustrated in Figures '2, 4 and 5, the sheets forming the lpile 42 are separated interiorly of the `seam 33 after said. seam is-formed, and the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and I'I are folded upwardly ,andfbackwardly over-the edge portion' 35, and the *fabricL sheet II and bedssheet nI3 are foldedv downwardly and backwardly beneath thefedge portion 35. revealingv a rounded edge portion 45 of the garment III. The secondary seam 36 is thenformedZby placing the garmentpile between the dies Landv 4I V(when` the die 4I is discontinuous about the seam to be formed) or between the die 4I!r anda die (not shown) similar to the die 4I butwhose outline dimensionsare slightly smaller than ,those of the die 4I. In either event, the seam 36 isformed by a procedure substantially ysimilar to that used'in forming. the sea1.33 but the seam 36 is preferably disposed immediately adjacentthe interior. edges 25, 26, 38 and'39 which are nowy disposed intermediate the pocket strips I4, I5, I 6, I1- and thei bed sheet I3 andfabric II. Bythis means, the'fabricI-I is again permeated '.by thermoplastic and serves'to reinforce the seam 36. Not only so, butta pocket 46 is formed between the bed sheet I3 and the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and `Il interiorly of the seam 36. This pocket 46 is of waterproof construction for the molten plastic of the seam. 36 has sealed off the-.outer marginal spaces between the'pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and Il and thebedysheet I3. There is thus formed a continuousv plastic surface, interior of the'pocket 46 and composed of the undersurface 41 of the pocket strips I 4, I5, I6 and` I1, theplastic juncture 48 formed by the seam 36, and the upper-surface 49r of the bed sheet I 3. It Willthus be found that there 'has been formednotonly a strong union between the plastic. elements andthe fabricI I- in theinitial or primary seam 33, withv a rounded and neatly formed edge portionf45but a waterproof pocket -46 for retention ofanabsorbent-pad such asfadiaper 50.

In Figures 9y and l0 are illustrated axmodified construction lembodying my invention. Inv this construction, a` pile? 5I of sheetmaterials I3, II, I4, I5,' IIi` and rI 'I' is laid onI the platen ,4U for seal ing, thelayingy being in the following order: the

bed sheet I3 is laid on the bottom. The fabric sheet I-I islaid on the bed sheet-I3 inregistry with said sheet I3. The pocket, strips I4 andil' arelaidy on the fabric-,I I in converse orderrwith the manner oflayingfsaid strips in the modifica-- tion illustra-tedl in Figure 2; andi the'pocketstrips Iliandv I'I are laid on the fabric lII and inlapping relation to they ends-of' the pocket stripsy I4 and I5, and in conversefposition vto thatshown in the modification illustrated in Figure r2'. The outer'edgesofl the .pocketstrips I4, I5, I-6, I-l are in. registry with thefabric I I.

edgef52 thereof, and; an .initial or primaryseal 53 is electronically imparted to the sheets of the pile I, melting the plastic between the dies 40 and 4I, permeating the fabric II therebetween, and forming when cooled a homogeneous plastic mass reinforced by the fabric II therein. The corners defined by the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and II are then turned inside out by placing the hand within the pocket 54 intermediate the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and Il and the fabric II, grasping the interior of the pocket and folding each of the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and Il about the outer edge 52, substantially as is shown in Figure until the Docket strips I4, I5, I6 and I'I are lapped against the underface of the bed sheet I3 instead of against the upper face of the fabric I I. When the pile 5I is then turned down-sideup, it will present an appearance substantially similar to that of the pile in Figure 2. If desired, a secondary seam 36 may then be formed in a manner similar to that described and shown for the modification illustrated in Figure 2.

In Figures l1 and l2 is illustrated another modified construction embodying my invention. In this construction, a pile 55 of sheet material is formed by laying the fabric sheet II on the bottom, the bed sheet I3 on the fabric sheet II and in registry therewith, and the pocket strips on the bed sheet I3 in substantially the same manner as said strips are illustrated as being laid thereon in Figure 2. rIhe pile thus formed is laid on the platen 40 and a die similar to the die 4I brought to bear thereupon to form the seal 56 in substantial juxtaposition to the outer edge 51 forming the periphery of the pile 55. In this construction, the seal 56 serves to unite all of the sheets together in one Waterproof and reinforced seal. No rolled edge is used in this modification, and if desired, asecondary seal may be dispensed with.

In Figures 13 to 16 inclusive, is illustrated another modified construction and method einbodying my invention. According to this construction and method, I lay the bed sheet I3 on the platen 40, and lay the fabric sheet II on, and in registry with, the bed sheet I3. Weld strips 58 are laid on the edge portions 59 preferably intermediate the leg receiving portions 20, 2| and the back edge portion I9. The weld strips 58 consist preferably of sheet thermoplastic, preferably of the same kind as that of which the bed sheet I3 is made. A die (not shown) substantially similar to the die 4I, but without a die segment adjacent the back edge portion I9, is mounted in the electronic device 44 in a manner similar to the mounting of the die 4I, and is lowered until it bears against the pile 60 for-med by the plastic sheet I3, fabric II and weld strips 58. Operating the electronic device in substantially the same manner as hereinbefore described, a seam 6I is formed adjacent the edge portion 59 of the pile 60 throughout the periphery of the pile 60 with the exception of the back portion I9. This seam 6I, in that portion thereof which is not formed through the weld strips 58, consists of a thermoplastic seal having one surface thereof reinforced with fabric I I. At the weld strip portion 62 of the seam 6I, however, the seam consists of a plastic seal having the center thereof reinforced with the fabric II; and said fabric l I is accordingly locked in the seal 62 between the completely plastic exteriors thereof. In this manner, it is impossible for the fabric II to be torn from the plastic sheets I3 and 58, at the beginning of the seam 6 I.

The hand 63 is then inserted inthe pile 60 between the sheet I I and sheet I3 until it reaches the abdominal edge portion I8 whereupon it grasps said portion and turns the pile 60 inside out substantially as is shown in Figure 14. In this condition, the edge portion 5S will be found to have been turned inwardly, substantially as is shown in Figure 16, leaving an outer rolled edge 64 throughout the pile, with the exception of the back edge portion I9.

The pile 60 is then turned down-side-up, so that the fabric II is at the bottom and the bed waterproof sheet I3 is at the top, Pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and I'I are then placed on the sheet I3 in substantially the same manner as is illustrated in Figure 2. If desired, and preferably prior to said placing of the pocket strips, a nonabsorbent and non-thermoplastic insert sheet 65 may be inserted between the thermoplastic sheet I3 and the fabric I I in regions thereof which are intended to be disposed between the dies 40 and 4I during the next sealing operation. The insert sheet 65 may if desired consist of fiberboard, mica or other suitable substance. The pile 6U, with its inserts if they are used, and with the pocket strips placed in position thereon, is positioned on the platen 40 beneath an appropriate die such as the die 4I, and the electronic apparatus 44 is then operated, substantially as hereinbefore described, to form the seal 66 adjacent the edges 64, and spaced a suitable distance from the back edge portion I9. The distance between the seal 66 and the edge I9 may be determined by the size and position of the material used for drawing the waistline together, when said material is used in the back edge portion I9. Such material is illus trated for instance in Figures 2 and 5, and in the latter figure is indicated as the elastic 3i sewed or otherwise secured to the fabric II. In the sealing operation, it will be found that the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and I'I are respectively merged with one another at the overlapping regions 21, 28, 29 and 30, and with the waterproof bed sheet I3, operatively to for-m a unitary and continuous inside wall 46 of a pocket for holding a diaper or other suitable absorbent material, substantially as has been hitherto described with respect to other modifications of my invention; but in this instance, the seal 66 does not penetrate to the fabric II because of the use of the insert or inserts 65; and the fabric II is thus rendered free of the appearance of thermoplastic on its outside surface. After sealing, the insert or inserts 65 may be withdrawn through the opening at the back edge portion I9, and the fabric I I may be joined at said back edge portion I9 to the thermoplastic sheets by any suitable means such as the stitching 61 which may also be used as ornamental stitching throughout the rest of the edge portion of the garment. It will be found that by my novel construction, the ornamental stitching II does not disturb the waterproof construction of the pocket interior 46. In a preferred form of ornamental stitching II, the stitches are passed through the primary seal 6I and serves further to hold the fabric II thereagainst at the rolled edge portion E4.

In Figure 1'7 is illustrated another modified construction embodying my invention. Herein, internal wedge dies schematically shown at 68 and 69 are used to cooperate with an external wedge die schematically shown at 1I), to form a rolled edge seal in one operation. In this method and construction, internal wedge dies 68 and 68 are provided having parallel exterior surfaces 1I,

and parallel interior surfaces 12. The-rearward edges of the dies vt8 andBS are'preferably inwardly inclined toward each other as at 13. The external die 'I8 is preferably formed with afwedge-shaped forward edge lpor-tion "I4 yhavingA -inclinedfacesV 'I5 which are respectively'preferably parallel tothe rearward inclined edgesfl rofy the'in-tern'al fdie's t8 and 69.

The internal dies 68 and 69 arespaced lfrom each other a suitable distanceand the pocket strips such as the strip I5 are laid on vthe'eifrterior face'II of the die 958,v with their outer edge p0rtions 'i6 draped over the rearward-edge portion 'H of the die 68 a Suitable distance.

The fabric II is laid in positicnon a suitable table and the waterproof bed sheet I3 is laid on the fabric I! and in registry therewith. -The die 69 is then placed on the sheet I3 with itsedges I substantially parallel to the edges of the sheet I3, but spaced therefrom a suitable'distance so that the registering edge portions i8 of the fabric i l and sheet t3 extend outwardly from the end i9 of the die t9 a distance substantiallyequa-1 to the spacing between the edge portion I6 and the end portion "il of the die B8. The outwardly extending portions Sil of the registering sheet I3 and the fabric il are then smoothly 'laid on kthe inclined face 'i3 and interior surface i2 of the die di); and the overhanging portions 8| of the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and il are smoothly laid against the inclined face 'I3 and interior surface of the die 65; and the edge portion 'I5 of said pocket strips are placed on the edge portions 'I8 and in registry therewith.y In this manner, the die and sheet assemblies will appear substantially as is illustrated in Figure 1'7;r The dies 6d, 59'

and it are then connected with an electronic device such as the device t4 'with the dies 68 and 69 respectively connected in the same manner as the dies I and 4S. The die le is advanced toward the dies 68 and 69 until it holds the respective strips smoothly against the inclinedfaces I3 of the internal dies. When the deviceM is then electronically operated, a seal will be formed between the dies 68 and 69. Upon withdrawal of the dies from the sheets'it'will bev found that a rolled edge has been established with an electronic seal internally formed therein, and all in one operation. This method may be used in any portion of the garment, or in al1 portions ofthe garment with the exception of any desired opening such for instance as the back edge portion Iii which may be intentionally left open for the purpose of withdrawing the dies 68 and 69 therethrough. Such opening may thereafter beclosed by any suitable means, such for instance as hereinbefore described.

In Figures 18 to 20 inclusive is illustrated a further modied construction and method embodying my invention. Herein, the pocket strips I 4, I5, I6 and i'I, as for instance the pocket strip I5, are laid on the waterproof bed sheet I3 in substantially the same manner as is illustrated in;V Figure 2, and disposed between dies such as the dies di! and 4I of the electronic device 44, and the electronic device operated so that a seal 8| is formed therebetween, substantially along the same lines, and preferably in the same position as the seal H5 as illustrated in Figures 15 and 16. In this manner, the waterproof interior of the pocket is first established. The fabric II is then laid on the pile 82 thus formed, and with its outer edge substantially in registry with the outer edge of the pile 82. The electronic device 44 is then operated to establish av secondary seal 83 between thefabric `'I'I `and 4all of 'the sheets of the 'pile' 82 in the 'outenedge portionl of the pile 82 between the seal 81' 'and the 'extreme louter edge '85 ofsaid 'pile 82. This vsecondary seal L'83 comprises 4a' homogeneous thermoplastic base portion reinforced by the "fabric II adjacent its uppersurface.` The pile'with the 'fabric I'I thus lsecured"thereto vis thenturnedv inside out through any desired opening asihas been'hitherto described, andthe pile turned d'own-side-up so that the fabric II becomes disposed on the under side 'ofthe pile 82, substantially as is illustrated inI Figure 420; "By so doing, a rolled edge'86 is form'edbetwe'en the "fabric II 'and the outer edge portion'sof the pile 82, with 'the extreme Aedge tdisposedinteriorly ofthe garment. If desired, the fabric lly maybe drawn against the secondary seal yportion"titty any suitable means such as the yornamental'stitching 81.

i' In Figures 21 `to"'23, inclusive, 'areillustrated another'modied"construction kand method ern-` b'odyin'g 'my invention. Herein the sheets `and pocket strips are made oversize, and a pile 88 is formed 'by 'laying the fabric sheet 'II-b on the bottom,"iaying the waterproof `bed sheet I3-b thereon andin registry therewith, and laying the pocket strips l'-b, `I'5-b,`Il-b Hand -II-b on the bed sheet I3-b in substantially the same manner as the pocket strips I4, I5, I6 and I'I respectively are illustrated as being llaid on the sheet I3 of FigureZ.

"The-'electronic device M is 'equipped with a platen die 'and 'a cutting electronic die 89 Acomprising an electronic transmitting lelement `such asis schematically'shown 'at 90 substantially similar in 'electronic construction tothe die 4I, and a knife edge-'cutting element 9| downwardly projecting 'from the 'electronic' element 'portion 90 and along the outerA edge thereof. The die 89 may be formed inthe same configuration as the seam desired to ybe established, and the cutting die 9| is'preferabl'y formed along the Adesired periph'eryf'of the' garmenttbeing made.

The pile '88 is vplaced on the platen rdie 40 of an electronic device "44 inthe desired location with respect to the knife edge SI, andthe cutting electronic dle'89 'is yborne downwardly againsty the 'pile 88, cutting away the undesired material 92 kand at'the same time bearing against' the outer yedge portion of the pilots while heat-welding the elements thereof together into the reinforced plastic seam'93.; When the seam 93 is cooled and the die 89 is withdrawn, itwill be found that the garment has been formed in one operation, with the pocket `elements sealed so'ast'o form a continuous waterproofinterior 46, 'and vwith the fabric Il-b lsecured tothe sealed edge 93'by the plastic thereof permeating said fabric. If desired, ornamental stitching'lld may be used on the seal 93, and in suchevent, it'will serve lthe further 'purpose of locking thelfabric I I-b within the seal 93 against any'tendency tobe removed therefrom by such action as a 'pealing action.

In any of the modifications of my invention,

it is to "belunderstoodthat thegarment may be provided'with any desired attaching means, and the snap fastener devices shown in kFigures 2 and 11r are .merely illustrative. Moreover, if desired, suitable reinforcingmeans such for instance as tape (not shown) may be used between the sheet elements of the garment or external of the sheet elements, foranydesired purpose, and when so used may beleither,plastic-seemed as hereinabove described with respect to the fabric, or held in position byany other suitable means, as desired.

Moreover, the plastic-seaming operation may be enhanced by wetting the fibers of the fabric II with a suitable liquid or emulsied plastic. Thus, for instance, when it is desired to form a plastic seam between the fabric II and the sheet I3, the sheet I3 may be laid on the platen 40, and the fabric II laid on the sheet I3. The liquid or einulsiiied plastic may then be spread on the fabric II in the region of the desired seam (not shown), and the die 4I brought to bear upon the pile (not shown) thus formed. When the dies 4U and 4I are electronically operated as hereinbefore described, the volatile element will be driven from the liquid plastic where that is used; or the emulsifying agent will be broken down and the liquid ingredient driven off from the emulsied plastic, where that is used. In either event, the plastic itself will melt and combine with the molten plastic of the sheet I3 in permeating the bers of the fabric II and forming a plastic coat on the upper surface thereof, thereby to aid in locking the fabric II in the plastic seam thus being formed.

It is to be understood, that any of the elements shown in any of the foregoing modifications, whether as to construction, or method, may be used as desired, interchangeably with other elements of method or construction shown in the other modifications, without departing from the spirit or essential attributes of my invention.

It will thus be found that by my novel construction and method, I have formed a garment which is capable of holding an absorbent material and which will retain said material and all of its liquid contents in a Waterproof manner,` and Whose seams are leakproof regardless of the stresses or strains imposed on thel garment.

l am aware that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and I therefore desire the present embodiments to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a thermoplastic sheet, a fabric sheet, and a thermoplastic pocket strip; said pile assembly comprising an abdominal portion, a back portion, right leg portion, moplastic sheet, fabric sheet and thermoplastic pocket strip comprising substantially registering edges; said edges being united in a unitary thermoplastic weld through which said fabric passes in thermoplastic-permeated state While reinforcing said weld with fibers of said fabric.

2. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a fabric sheet, a. thermoplastic sheet, and thermoplastic pocket strips; said pile assembly having a right leg portion, a left leg portion, an abdominal portion and a back portion; said sheets and at least one of said strips having substantially registering edge portions; said edge portions comprising a thermoplastic weld through which said fabric extends in thermoplastic-permeated condition while the fibers of said fabric in said weld are in Weld-reinforcing relation to said weid; said weld being disposed interioriy oi said pile, with the pocket strips being and left leg portion; said theredge; and said strip and said sheets being thermoplastically united in a secondary weld disposed in said pile interiorly of said first-mentioned Weld; said secondary weld comprising a unitary thermoplastic weld through a portion of which said fabric passes in thermoplastic-permeated condition, and said secondary weld forming with said pocket strips and said thermoplastic sheet a Waterproof, substantially continuous and unbroken interiol` pocket face.

3. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a fabric sheet, a thermoplastic sheet, and thermoplastic pocket strips; said pile assembly having a right leg portion, a left leg portion, an abdominal portion and a back portion; said sheets and at least one of said strips having substantially registering edge portions; said edge portions comprising a thermoplastic weld through which said fabric extends in thermoplasticpermeated condition while the bers of said fabric in said weld are in weld-reinforcing relation to said weld; said weld being disposed interiorly of said pile, with the pocket strip being folded away from said weld in one direction, and said sheets being folded away from said weld in an-other direction, operatively to form a rolled folded away from said weld in one direction, and

said sheets being folded away from said weld in another direction, operatively to form a rolled edge; and said strip and said thermoplastic sheet being thermoplastically united in a secondary Weld disposed in said pile interiorly of said firstmentioned weld; said secondary weld forming with said pocket strip and said thermoplastic sheet a Waterproof, substantially continuous and unbroken interior pocket face.

4. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a thermoplastic sheet, a fabric sheet, and a thermoplastic pocket strip; said pile assembly comprising an abdominal portion, a back portion, right leg portion, and left leg portion; said thermoplastic sheet, fabric sheet and thermoplastic pocket strip comprising substantially registering edges; said edges being united in a unitary thermoplastic weld through which said fabric passes in thermoplastic-permeated state while reinforcing said weld with fibers of said fabric; said weld being disposed inwardly of the edge of said pile, with at least one of said sheets extending outwardly and away from said weld in one direction, and said pocket strip extending outwardly and away from said weld in another direction, said sheet and said pocket strip being disposed in substantially lapped relation to each other interior- 1y of said garments edges with the weld disposed intermediate said lapped disposition and said edges.

5. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a thermoplastic sheet, a fabric sheet, and a thermoplastic pocket strip; said thermoplastic sheet, fabric sheet and thermoplastic pocket strip comprising substantially registering edges; said edges being united in a unitary thermoplastic weld through which said fabric passes in thermoplastic-permeated state while reinforcing said Weld with fibers of said fabric; said weld forming with said pocket strip and said thermoplastic sheet a waterproof, substantially continuous and unbroken interior pocket face.

6. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a fabric sheet, a thermoplastic sheet, and thermoplastic pocket strips; said pile assembly having a right leg portion, a left leg portion, an abdominal portion and a back portion; said sheets having substantially registering edge portions united one to another; and said strip and said thermoplastic sheet being thermoplastically united in a weld disposed in said pile interiorly of said edge portions; said weld forming with said pocket strip and said thermoplastic sheet a waterproof, substantially continuous and nnbroken interior pocket face.

7. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed of a fabric sheet, a thermoplastic sheet, and thermoplastic pocket strips; said pile assembly having a right leg portion, a left leg portion, an abdominal portion and a back portion; said sheets and at least one of said strips having substantially registering edge portions; said edge portions comprising a thermoplastic Weld through which said fabric extends in thermoplasticpermeated condition while the bers of said fabric in said weld are in weld-reinforcing relation to said Weld; said weld being disposed interiorly of said pile, with the pocket strip being folded away from said weld in one direction, and said sheets being folded away from said weld in another direction, operatively to form a rolled edge; and said strip and said thermoplastic sheet being thermoplastically united in a secondary weld disposed in said pile interiorly of said rstmentioned weld; said fabric sheet being secured to said thermoplastic sheet between said rolled edge and. the interior of said garment; and said secondary weld forming with said pocket strip and said thermoplastic sheet a waterproof, substantially continuous and unbroken interior pocket face.

8. A garment comprising a pile assembly composed cf a fabric sheet, a thermoplastic sheet, and at least one thermoplastic pocket strip; said thermoplastic sheet being disposed on said fabric sheet; the edges of said thermoplastic sheet being substantially in registry with the edges of said fabric sheet; said pocket strip being disposed on said thermoplastic sheet; a thermoplastic weld between said pocket strip and said thermoplastic sheet and defining the outline of at least a portion of a pocket; said weld forming with said pocket strip and said thermoplastic sheet a waterproof, substantially continuous and unbroken interior pocket face; and said fabric sheet being united to said thermoplastic sheet in proximity to the edges thereof.

BERNARD B. SHULMAN.

References Cited in the file ofr this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,393,100 Galley et al Jan. 15, 1946 2,402,631 Hull June 25, 1946 2,507,197 Matzdorf May 9, 1950 2,544,620 Steinert Mar. 6, 1951 2,544,726 Rogatz Mar. 13, 1951 2,581,904 Burns Jan. 8,1952 

